SCD is a disease that co-evolved with malaria among peoples living in equatorial regions where mosquitoes are endemic and serve as vectors for the malaria parasite. In the US, over 70,000 individuals are afflicted with SCD. Globally, an estimated 880,000 die from malaria and 340,000 from SCD annually, with the great majoriy of these deaths being children under the age of five years. SCD afflicts many in western and central African countries, as well as people of Portuguese, Spanish, French Corsican, Sardinian, Sicilian, Italian, Greek, Turkish, Cypriot, Israeli, Arab, and Indian decent. While one copy of the sickle gene confers resistance to the malaria parasite, carrying two copies can result in death. Large public health measures have limited the spread of malaria in developed countries. In contrast, SCD has been neglected. The wide spread occurrence of SCD and recent resurgence of malaria motivated the World Health Organization in May 2006 to list SCD as a neglected disease warranting intensified research. SCCF is mounting a global effort to address this global health problem.

Gene Regulation Therapy (GRT) is the overall research approach employed by SCCF. GRT does not destroy genes, alter them, nor implant them in the patient. Rather, SCCF has discovered how to manipulate “toggle switches” that reactivate the body’s own fetal hemoglobin production. Medical literature has amply documented that the presence of fetal hemoglobin in adult red blood cells at concentrations of 30% or more confers a natural resistance to SCD…and also to malaria. Requiring no refrigeration, the GRT for SCD is natural, non-invasive, and reversible. To maintain its benefits, the patient only requires periodic “recharge” doses to keep the toggle switch “on.” Similar GRT-responsive, “onoff” genetic relationships are the subject of translational research and development. GRT promises effective clinical treatments for many debilitating disorders including diabetes, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, liver diseases, and certain cancers. SCCF’s business plan for global distribution of Gene Regulation Therapy for SCD estimates a 95% drop in the cost of standard Western treatments. Whereas current treatments only address the symptoms of SCD, SCCF’s approach corrects the primary cause. For the world’s poor majority, SCCF’s business model uses cross-subsidy pricing to deliver the cure to Africa pharmaceutical outlets for as little as US $12.00 per person per year.

The arrival of the year 2010 is an exciting time indeed! Not only are we embracing the beginning of a brand new year, but a brand new decade as well. It’s a time of great possibilities and full of promise. A time of new beginnings, as we say goodbye to things of the past while ridding ourselves of the negative effects of old habits, patterns and thinking; and embark upon ‘the bold new NOW’, with great determination to better and/or to reinvent ourselves, to strive to be THE BEST we can be; be THE MOST we can be; progressing forward towards the attainment of our dreams and goals, and striving to arrive at our ultimate state of Zen in 2010. …In doing so, not only on an individual level, but on a community, national and global level as well, we are in fact, casting the mold of our tomorrows.

We are off to an excellent start, as you can now add to your list of New Year’s resolutions that while having an absolute blast this year while doing so, YOU can help eradicate a deadly disease off the face of the planet in the process! …Now I know some of you are probably thinking at this point that “Ms. Laura has worked with ONE TOO MANY rock stars in 2009,” but it’s the truth! (…About the eradicating a deadly disease thing anyway.) Allow me enlighten you to the details…

Via the hard work, dedication, and deep compassion of two absolutely brilliant men, Doctor and esteemed Bio Chemist Robert H. Broyles and Musician/Songwriter, Promoter, Talk Show Host, Radio Personality J. R. Perry III, an immense amount of suffering worldwide can be eliminated this year by the eradication of the deadly disease Sickle Cell Anemia for which Dr. Robert H. Broyles HAS THE CURE; and by which J. R. Perry is helping to raise the funding, (and awareness), needed to get this cure to those who need it, (and to hasten the process of doing so), via organizing a series of super dynamic concerts worldwide, featuring renowned and/or legendary acts in every genre imaginable.

(Dr. Robert H. Broyles left, J. R. Perry right.)

Dr. Robert H. Broyles, who is the Founder and President of The Sickle Cell Cure Foundation, and has discovered/developed a cure for the disease via primarily the utilization of Gene Regulation Therapy, and has secured and obtained the US patent for this proven way it would work on April, 14, 2009.

(Though Dr. Robert H. Broyles actually discovered a way in which the cure would work as early as 2006; though getting it into the hands of those who need it is an extremely slow moving and arduous task, largely due to the extreme amount of bureaucratic ‘red tape’ involved in the process.)

SCCF’s patents in Australia, and the European Union, (France, Germany, and Greece), are also already secured and maintained through Dr. Broyles’ outstanding work to not only end this deadly disease, but quite possibly Parkinson’s Disease and other diseases as well, through Gene Regulation Therapy and Iron Management.

Not only is Doctor Robert H. Broyles an incredibly brilliant scientist, (one of the Principal Investigative Scientists in the field of Gene Regulation Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, with over thirty-five years of research experience to add to his extraordinarily impressive and numerous credits), Dr. Broyles is an extremely kind man of sincere and deep care and compassion for those he has dedicated his life to heal. ‘Doctor Bob,’ (as I have nick named him out of my ultimate respect and admiration for him as both a scientist and as a great individual), shares an example of the many e-mails from people all around the world, which greatly moves Dr. Broyles, and serves as his driving force for doing the amazing and outstanding work that he does. Here is one example of the many e-mails in which Dr. Robert Broyles receives regularly: “Please, I beg you in the name of the most high-grade God. How do I access the cure? This pain is too much. Please don’t let me die. Please.” Needless to say, Dr. Robert H. Broyles is not only a man of exceptional mind, but also a man of exceptional heart and soul as well, for the work he has done and continues to do with great determination and dedication; which in my opinion, is worthy of a Nobel Prize. I would also like to add that out of the many renowned stars that I have worked with over the years as a PR, Press and Media Relations Specialist, (mostly in the music industry, though I have also written for/about a number of high profile, US political figures as well), I have to say that Dr. Robert H. Broyles is indeed THE brightest shining true ‘superstar’ I have ever had the pleasure of working with thus far!

Another great man of uncommon valor and brilliance in his own fields of expertise who is working hard to bring this cure, (and expedite the process of doing so), to those in need of it is J. R. Perry III; who is in the process of organizing a series of multi-artist concerts worldwide to both, generate funding and awareness concerning this deadly disease.

Because, (to spite misconceptions), Sickle Cell Anemia is a disease that effects people of ALL races, in all countries, and of all social economic status, renowned Promoter and long time Sickle Cell Disease Activist, J. R. Perry’s exciting concert tour, (“The Cure Every Cell Tour”), will feature a dynamic array of outstanding artists from every genre imaginable to strategically generate as much ‘broad audience appeal’ as possible to both educate, (on a very large scale), about this deadly and extremely painful disease, dispel the many misconceptions concerning this disease, and to raise the necessary funding to complete the final stages of clinical trials required, (by the medical regulations in the US), before making this cure available to patients within the US. (Though notably, Dr. Broyles’ procedural cure is currently already available outside of the US in a number of other countries.)

J. R. Perry’s dedicated involvement as both a Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Activist and his hard work and effort at organizing a massive world tour to combat this disease and bring forth the cure is nothing less of a labor of love. J. R. Perry’s own ten year old son Jameel suffers from Sickle Cell Disease, and has already endured a stroke, (at age 9), and has to receive regular blood transfusions, suffers chronic pain, as well as has a potentially life threatening compromised immune system because of this disease.

Ten year old, Jameel Perry, son of J. R. Perry III.

Though we are at the beginning phases of organizing this historic ‘tour for the cure’, amongst the first outstanding artists to join this effort includes blues, R&B and jazz legend Chick Willis, (www.myspace.com/chickwillis), sizzling Latin/salsa sensations Orquesta Fiesta, (www.myspace.com/clarasalsa), jam’s absolutely smoking and super fast rising band Bodhi, (www.bodhilive.com), and prolific Vocalist Dan Shafer, (known for his work with a number of renowned bands such as Mercenary, featuring Rusty DAddio of Ronnie James Dio and Richie Blackmore); and well renowned for his work in numerous commercials, and is the Executive Producer of The Rock & Load Show, amongst Dan’s immense and impressive list of professional credits; (www.myspace.com/danshafer). And most recently, joining in this effort will be world renowned Latin and jazz recording artist Eddie Benitez. (www.myspace.com/eddiebenitez).

More respected artists will be listed in upcoming press releases as they come aboard on this project: as we at Mindsweep Entertainment & Promotions are embarking on a massive PR, press and media, (and cross promotional), campaign to further promote this very important, life saving and history changing tour, (and as a promotions ‘perk’ for the artists, sponsors and to everyone associated with this tour, as a token of our sincere and immense amount of appreciation for their involvement and help): and of course, to keep everyone updated on upcoming concert dates, the artists involved, upcoming TV and radio appearances and news concerning this tour. J. R. Perry III incidentally, is also the Owner of Love Drop Radio, where artists involved with this tour will be featured as guests on Love Drop Radio’s esteemed programming to further promote this noble cause.

Renowned artists that would like to add extra concert dates to their 2010 concert schedule while helping to eradicate this deadly disease in the process by getting involved can do so by contacting me, Laura Jenney at any of the following e-mail addresses: VPofMindsweep@aol.com, Jcongalady@aol.com or laura@tntbooking.com, or by calling 904-378-8357. (The Jcongalady@aol.com e-mail address always gets seen and answered the quickest.)

Concert venues and corporate sponsors that would like to get involved with this phenomenal opportunity and make a huge humanitarian difference via this project and vital cause, please contact J. R. Perry III by e-mail at Lovedropradio@hotmail.com or myself at VPofMindsweep@aol.com. (Sponsorship incentives are absolutely exceptional and unbeatable, I might add!)

For more information about the outstanding work that Dr. Robert H. Broyles and all of those at work at The Sickle Cell Cure Foundation are doing, please visit their web site at http://www.sicklecellcurefoundation.org.

To make a much needed and appreciated donation to help bring forth the cure and to wipe Sickle Cell Disease, (and quite possibly other diseases as well), donations can be made by:

• Clicking on the gold Donate button on the upper right hand side of this webpage, and use a credit card through PayPal; Or…
• Send a check addressed to:
  The Sickle Cell Cure Foundation
  601 NW 13th Street
  Oklahoma City , OK 73103.

The Sickle Cell Cure Foundation Inc., or (SCCF), is a nonprofit corporation registered in the State of Oklahoma. It’s 501(C) (3) status has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States as of February 12, 2007; and all donations are tax deductible.

And that’s how YOU TOO can help eradicate the deadly disease Sickle Cell Anemia off the face of the planet while having an absolute blast doing so, simply by attending a concert on the “The Cure Every Cell Tour” coming to a concert venue near you very soon! Now isn’t that an absolutely GREAT resolution to start out a New Year and decade? …I’m talking WAAAAY more fun than trying to quit bad habits, dieting and exercise!

The End.

Alicia & Dominick Bibbs

Alicia Bibbs, an SCCF founder & research student, is pictured with her brother Dominick who suffers from sickle cell disease and recently recovered from surgery to have his spleen and gall bladder removed.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited genetic disorder that affects red blood cells. The presence of Hemoglobin S, an abnormal hemoglobin, causes these blood cells to change into the shape of a sickle and makes it difficult for them to pass through small blood vessels. When these vessels become blocked, oxygen has trouble reaching the tissues since hemoglobin is an oxygen carrying molecule.Tissue that does not receive normal blood flow often becomes damaged, including tissue of the lungs, spleen, liver and kidneys.

Living with sickle cell disease is painful and can inhibit a person from living a normal life. Too much activity can cause a pain crisis and stroke. Currently the main treatments for SCD are blood transfusions, which can cause toxic build up of iron, and antibiotics to prevent infections caused or worsened by damage to the spleen, pain management, and surgery. Each of these treatments causes more complications. Even with multi-disciplinary treatments, the average life expectancy for someone who suffers from SCD is only about 40-to-45 years.

Zoo Walk 2008 with SCCF posters and SCCF Board Member Gary Bricker in the background, and SCDAA Member Debra Jackson (center) and co-workers in the foreground.

In the United States, SCD affects primarily people of African descent. But this pattern of prevalence is changing, with increasing numbers with SCD being found among Hispanics, Native Americans and Caucasians. SCD affects a large percentage of people in Central America as well as significant numbers in the Carribean and in South American countries such as Brazil. In the Mediterranean countries, SCD is found in people of Portuguese and Spanish descent, as well as in French Corsicans, Sardinians, Sicilians, mainland Italians, Greeks, Turks and Cypriots. Prevalence is increasing in other European countries such as France, Germany, and the UK, due to both to newborns (new incidence) as well as migration from African countries. Sickle cell disease also affects large numbers of people in Middle Eastern countries, Indian and Asia. And approximately 70 percent of the global number of SCD cases are in Africa. SCD is the most frequently occurring genetic disease on earth.

Approximately 1 in 12 African-Americans are carriers of the Sickle Cell Trait. Many more are afflicted worldwide.

The average life expectancy of someone who suffers from SCD in America is about 40 years. Where treatments are not readily available, they often die in early childhood. In underdeveloped countries, 60-to-80 percent of babies`with SCD die before two years of age.

SCD causes lung tissue damage, pain episodes and stroke. The blockage of blood flow caused by sickled cells also causes damage to most organs including the spleen, kidneys and liver.

People who suffer from SCD have mostly hemoglobin S, an abnormal form of hemoglobin. However, all people are born with hemoglobin F, or fetal hemoglobin, which does not sickle. Normally, by six months of age, hemoglobin F expression switches to hemoglobin A, normal hemoglobin, or in the case of someone who suffers from SCD, hemoglobin S.

The Sickle Cell Cure Foundations’s cure is based on introducing a protein that causes a reversal of this switch, from HbS back to HbF. There are some people in whom this occurs naturally, and they do not suffer any of the symptoms of sickle cell disease.

http://www.bu.edu/sicklecell/research.html
http://www.sicklecelldisease.org
http://www.curesicklecell.org
http://sickle.bwh.harvard.edu/scd_history.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/01/2/l_012_02.html
http://www.umm.edu/blood/sickle.htm
http://www.innvista.com/health/ailments/anemias/sickhist.htm